The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) grapples with a staggering 71-week backlog for firearms evidence testing, despite adding dozens of forensic experts since 2022. TBI officials explain that the increasing complexity of cases and a surge in expedited requests—primarily involving violent crimes—exacerbate the situation, making it challenging to achieve the desired turnaround time of eight to 12 weeks.
While progress has been made in other areas, such as reducing rape kit testing times to about 10-11 weeks, firearms testing remains problematic due to the extended training period required for new hires, which can last up to two years. With 49 of the 50 recently funded positions filled but still in training, the TBI is working diligently to bridge the gap in service times for critical evidence that impacts community safety.
Read full story at www.newschannel5.com
